Chapter 654: An Invitation from Satō Shin’ichi
However, other information was also quite surprising.
The water-based pen was used by the leader Kuromon on my notes. Kazumi shifted her gaze to the empty seat beside her.
“The internal contradictions within the Association have been discovered by the [Dark] Organization? They are even seeing this as an opportunity. Has the Association’s internal conflict already reached this extent?”
“Grandpa Sato truly is a retired hero of the Association. He has a very sharp perception to have discovered this problem. However, the method to solve it is indeed a bit difficult…”
Following Grandfather Kurokawa Iori’s suggestion to address the Association’s internal conflicts, the girl quickly recalled a small question her dog had asked her before. Essentially, it was because the environment caused new heroes entering the workplace to lack the awareness of veteran heroes. Coupled with the current trend of a “pan-entertainment” social environment and the upheaval caused by the Association’s transition period and new Agency models, these new heroes no longer uphold the belief of protecting the public like the older generation. Instead, they are more focused on the attention they receive in the spotlight and their own interests.
But this had little to do with Kazumi. Even if Grandpa Sato said she had the talent to become a professional hero, it would be a long time before she truly reached that position. This large-scale environmental trend could not be changed by a single individual. It was impossible for someone to possess enough influence through their own strength alone, like Hamano-san.
“This can only be recorded as intelligence for now. It might be useful someday.”
She silently wrote down “Internal contradictions within the Hero Association” and then, in a smaller font, wrote the specific details. Raising her hand, she turned to a new page.
Next was the most important point: the all-out war between the [Dark] Organization and the Hero Association, and, “The situation I will face if I become an Executive.”
Taking a deep breath, Kazumi adjusted her state. She dedicated all her mental capacity to the most important matters that she was most concerned about.
“Judging from Kurokawa Iori’s state, the decision by Leader Kuromon to engage in an all-out war with the Association is an irreversible fact. Otherwise, with his mindset, he would definitely stop such an action, as it is simply a foolish idea. But the Leader must have rejected his proposal, otherwise Kurokawa Iori wouldn’t be so troubled.”
“Furthermore, considering the desire for me to become an Executive, consolidate influence, and then rely on that status to become a neutral third party, preserving the last seed of fire for the [Dark] Organization in the worst-case scenario. Even if Kurokawa Iori and Andre [Spine] are absolutely against this idea, they will likely still follow the Leader’s orders. Otherwise, it would mean directly defying the Organization’s command, or perhaps leaving the Organization would be a better choice.”
“To some extent, they are truly righteous…” Kazumi muttered with a slightly strange expression, unable to help but sigh at the members of these villainous organizations. They really didn’t act like villains at all.
“A Leader who wants to bravely defeat a powerful opponent during his lifetime, and a subordinate who, despite knowing the Leader’s decision is wrong, is willing to follow him because he received the Leader’s kindness. These are scenes only imaginable within the righteous factions of the Organization.”
“But with Kurokawa Iori’s rationality and demeanor, it seems more like he is repaying a past debt rather than simple blind loyalty. In that case, could it be…”
However, recalling Kurokawa Iori’s angry state before and the dissatisfaction with Leader Kuromon revealed in his words, Kazumi leaned more towards this possibility.
“After all, the former Leader Kuromon possessed great charisma and prestige within the Organization. But after so many years, even if he survived, his prestige and influence within the Organization would have been lost.”
“Moreover, the [Dark] Organization was never a monolithic entity. If Leader Kuromon is injured during this operation, those individuals who were suppressed by the Leader’s authority will surely start to stir.”
“Looking at it this way, regardless of whether the all-out war between the [Dark] Organization and the Hero Association is successful, the Organization is bound to face upheaval.”
Kurokawa Iori did not misstate this point. If she were just an ordinary member, it would be difficult for Kurokawa Iori to spare the effort to take care of him in such a situation.
“Becoming an Executive is the best way to protect oneself in such a situation. Especially now that Kazumi possesses enough strength to secure that position. This way, it can help the girl avoid a lot of trouble.”
“If I really become an Executive… subordinates…” Kazumi’s thoughts shifted. “It should be a sure thing now that I’m becoming an Executive. With Kurokawa Iori’s recommendation and my parents’ relatively good relationship with Leader Kuromon, as long as my strength passes the test, there shouldn’t be too much resistance. Especially at this crucial moment for the Organization, the higher-ups certainly won’t abandon any usable powerful individuals.”
“However, here comes another point that worries the girl. In such a short time, Kazumi truly doesn’t have many ways to rally a team that can carry the torch after the Organization’s demise. After all, her abilities are more suited for large-scale battles, not for manipulating people’s hearts. Moreover, Kazumi herself is not particularly good at interacting with others. Besides forcibly suppressing them with strength, she doesn’t have many other methods.”
“Lilith, on the other hand, seems to be perfectly suited!” With a flash in her eyes, Kazumi immediately thought of an excellent candidate.
“Originally, Kazumi planned to help the Weaver High Priestess find a way to infiltrate the Hero Association and become her inside informant. After all, her background is clean enough, and she wouldn’t be afraid of being discovered by the Association.”
“But now, it seems there is a more suitable place for her to exert her abilities.”
“What could be better at winning people’s hearts than choosing a charismatic tutor? Honestly, if Lilith were truly in the Hero Association, she could probably only spread her faith in secret. But within the [Dark] Organization, she can do it openly. Moreover, Kazumi has full authorization from Kurokawa Iori. In this case, rallying a team of her own within a short period seems achievable.”
Just as Kazumi put pen to paper and wrote down the name “Lilith,” the phone on the corner of the table suddenly rang. The familiar little sun icon cheerfully bounced, and the girl knew who it was calling her for a voice call at this time even without looking at the contact name.
Her pen tip paused on the paper, smudging the ink slightly. Kazumi stared at the bouncing icon for two seconds, her fingertip trembling slightly above the answer button. The information she received tonight was too heavy; she hadn’t fully adjusted her state yet. But in the end, she pressed the answer button quite naturally.
“Hello? Hello?” The girl’s usual energetic voice transmitted through the receiver like a ray of sunlight suddenly illuminating a dim room.
“Kazumi! Do you want to go to Nagoya with me next weekend?”
